Rainfall brings relief to drought-stressed Southwest

Finally, after a long dry spell, West Texas has received much needed rain in time for spring planting. Reports from across the region indicate rainfall totals for the past week or so range from as little as just more than an inch to a foot or more. Some fell in a short period of time, creating erosion and flooding problems, but farmers say they’ll take on the repair chores in exchange for much needed moisture in the soil profile. Some tag this spate of rainfall as “a million dollar” rain.

We’ve received photos from several sources, including farmer Wesley Butchee from around Seagraves; Mary Jane Buerkle, Plains Cotton Growers; and a big thanks to Kay Ledbetter, Texas AgriLife media specialist in Amarillo, for sending photos and providing rainfall totals across the Texas Plains.

It’s pleasant to see pictures of West Texas depicting something other than dust for a change.